More than 30 years of evidence looking at providing sterile syringes to people who inject drugs shows people will use drugs, whether or not they have access to clean supplies. If they don’t have access to clean syringes, they may reuse or share needles, which increases their risk for HIV, hepatitis C and wounds. There are a lot of factors but one reason is that it can be made cheaply. It’s also often made as a white powder, which can easily be mixed or “cut” with other drugs like heroin to make them stronger, allowing people who sell drugs to make more profit. Rather than dissolve all of the substance you want to test in water, just put ten milligrams of the drug in a clean, dry container. If you cannot test ten milligrams, at least test a few grains.
- It is more than just our neighbor; it is part of the North American community.
- Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies, like Percocet and Xanax.
- Fentanyl moving through the street market comes in a powder form and can be injected, smoked, or snorted.
- But as I mentioned, this situation is not just confined to the United States.
- Like the rest of the country, Los Angeles County has experienced a dramatic upswing in overdoses from fentanyl, an opiate that is 100 times stronger than heroin.
- Fentanyl overdose often comes on much faster and stronger than a typical opioid overdose.
If you don’t have a milligram scale, you can use one of our 10 mg micro scoops. Testing everything requires dissolving your entire dose or batch in water. “Usually by the time somebody is transitioning to fentanyl, they’re already needing to use pretty consistently throughout the day to feel normal, to not be in withdrawal,” Kast said. “As they’re progressing to fentanyl, they’re gonna have to use it more often in order to manage that withdrawal.” “It’s nice to not have to use your veins or not inject, and so a lot of people would prefer not to be doing that,” Kral said. “I think we’re going to see more and more people smoking fentanyl than injecting it.”
This Executive Order reinforces the City’s commitment to saving lives through harm reduction amid the ongoing opioid epidemic. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) shows between 2019 and 2021, the number of teens who died from fentanyl increased from 253 to 884. Many of those fentanyl-laced drugs were purchased over clandestine social media apps like TikTok, Snapchat, and Wickr. As drug enforcement agencies catch up to some of the new methods, anonymous companies remain a gap that aids the illegal trafficking of opioids.
The subsequent surge of euphoria and relaxation fuels the need for more and more. Last month, the Canadian government announced $3.5 million in funding to safe supply projects in Vancouver, Victoria, and Toronto. However, harm reduction proponents have told VICE World News the programs aren’t meeting demand. Finally, fentanyl test strips are legal to possess in Colorado, and they are excluded from the definition of drug paraphernalia.
Exchange Syringes Through The Syringe Services Program
In Wisconsin, no one is alone in their journey to overcome opioid use disorder. Fentanyl test strips can reduce the risk of a fentanyl overdose. You can still get fentanyl test strips shipped to you if you are not located in Rhode Island. Visit DanceSafe to learn more about how you can get fentanyl test strips as well as other drug testing supplies.
Overdose deaths involving fentanyl have quadrupled in recent years. Because of the War on Drugs and criminalization of people who use drugs, people often are unaware of the exact composition of the substances they’re using. This makes evidence-based harm reduction strategies such as fentanyl test strips, safety planning, and access to safe supply more vital than ever. Fentanyl, which is 50 times as potent as heroin, laces many batches of heroin and cocaine, and it is now involved in at least half of all opioid overdose deaths. More than 70,000 people died of drug overdoses last year—the equivalent of about three 747 plane crashes each week. A controversial tool has emerged in the fight against opioid overdose deaths.
Understanding Fentanyl
And high possibility that they will start bringing – using fentanyl. It’s a country where communities, families live on both sides of the border. It is more than just our neighbor; it is part of the North American community.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is medically prescribed for severe pain management. It is significantly stronger than morphine and is often associated with high risks of addiction and overdose.
Medical Use of Fentanyl
Fentanyl is used in various medical settings, including:
- Post-operative pain management
- Chronic pain in patients tolerant to other opioids
- End-of-life care for cancer patients
The Risks of Obtaining Fentanyl
Obtaining fentanyl without a prescription or from illicit sources poses significant health risks, including:
- Overdose potential
- Legal consequences
- Health complications from impurities
Why Medical Supervision is Crucial
Because of its potency, fentanyl must be handled and prescribed by licensed medical professionals. Misuse can lead to:
- Severe respiratory depression
- Death
- Addiction and dependency
How to Access Fentanyl Safely
If you’re considering how to buy fentanyl for legitimate medical reasons, follow these guidelines instead:
- Consult a healthcare provider for evaluation.
- If prescribed, obtain fentanyl patches, lozenges, or injections from a licensed pharmacy.
- Follow the dosage and administration instructions provided by your physician.
Questions and Answers
Is it legal to buy fentanyl without a prescription?
No, purchasing fentanyl without a prescription is illegal and can lead to severe legal consequences.
What are the dangers of obtaining fentanyl from unregulated sources?
Unregulated substances may contain adulterants, inconsistent dosages, and can lead to overdose or death.
How can I manage pain safely if fentanyl is not an option?
Discuss alternative pain management strategies with your healthcare provider, which may include other medications or therapies.
